Analysis of R600a/CuO nanorefrigerant in condensation processes in domestic refrigerators using CFD

Helicoidal heat exchangers are used in all kinds of industries, domestic refrigeration is one of them, due to their geometrical characteristics which improve the heat transfer of fluids. Refrigerant R600a is one of the most studied fluids in the condensation process due to its extensive use throughout the years. Nanoparticles can enhance the heat transfer and phase change of the refrigerants in the condensation process. Therefore, Ansys Fluent is employed to carry out a numerical analysis of the nano refrigerant CuO-R600a, the models used in the simulation were made with the multiphase Euler model and condensation under the Lee approach, the simulations were with nanoparticle concentration varies from 0.1 to 3 %. Considering 39.37 °C as the saturation temperature of the refrigerant R600a at a pressure of 1 MPa, and 300 kg/m2·s as the mass flux. In the simulations six different condensers are tested, but the condenser with 120 mm in coil diameter and 30 mm in pitch shows better condensation of the refrigerant R600a. Nevertheless, by adding nanoparticles the condensation process presents negative results, and as the nanoparticle concentration increases the condensation percentage plummets. Thereby, the nano refrigerant does not show better heat transfer nor phase change as the base refrigerant R600a.